By Marjaleen Ramos
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas clarified on Thursday he has nothing to do on the removal of a Rappler reporter from the official Viber group of the NCRPO and the media following criticisms on his hosting of the controversial mañanita or birthday party.
"Hindi ko inutos 'yun, hindi po. Hindi ko masyadong kilala si Rambo (Talabong) pero nakikita ko rin 'yan sa mga press con," Sinas said in an interview on CNN Philippines.
"I will ask my PIO. Hindi po ako nagmaintain ng Viber group namin,” he added.
Talabong, Rappler's reporter covering Philippine National Police, on Wednesday said he was removed from the NCRPO's Viber group after he reported that Sinas allegedly violated quarantine protocols celebrating his birthday with fellow policemen last May 8.
The NCRPO Chief's mañanita drew criticisms on social media after the NCRPO-Public Information Office shared photos of the celebration of Sinas's birthday on Facebook, showing him blowing his cake and policemen giving him roses and lining up for the buffet table.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have earlier ordered separate investigations into the controversial birthday party of Sinas for violating the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) rules.